film review: The Bling Ring by Sofia Coppola

The backstory: The Bling Ring is the latest film written (adapted from a Vanity Fair article) and direct by Sofia Coppola. I'm a huge Sofia Coppola fan (my review of Somewhere.)

The basics: Based on true events, The Bling Ring is the story of the rise and fall of five teenagers who visit and rob celebrity homes when the owners are out of town.

My thoughts: There's a starkness to Sofia Coppola's films I enjoy. Even in this film, whose subjects are almost comically extravagant, there is a starkness, in both sound and visuals, that firmly establishes this film as critical rather than sensationalist. Yet Coppola doesn't strong arm the preposterousness of these teenagers; she allows them to present themselves as they did, both privately and publicly. Admittedly, my enjoyment of this film was somewhat hampered because I was so familiar with the story. I found myself enjoying the first half more, as I often do with films based on true events. The genesis was more fascinating than the familiar ending. For those who did not follow the exploits of the real life Bling Ring as closely, I imagine this film will delight even more.

The verdict: The Bling Ring is a visually arresting and haunting portrait of youth, greed, and entitlement.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Length: 87 minutes
Release date: it's out on dvd now
Source: Redbox

Convinced? Treat yourself! Buy The Bling Ring from Amazon.

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